French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said the death toll from the flooding across the country has risen to four, bringing the total of those killed across Europe from the flooding in recent days to 17. About 24 people have been injured.
Nearly a week of heavy rain has led to serious flooding across parts of France, Germany, Romania and Belgium.
However, French authorities added that the water level of the Seine river in Paris is starting to decrease after reaching its peak overnight, the highest in nearly 35 years.
Authorities warned it could take up to ten days for the river to come back to its normal levels after the flooding that swelled the river to about 4.5 meters (15 feet) above average levels in Paris.
Floods due to heavy rains have inundated parts of France, Germany and Belgium this week.
Over 17,000 homes were still without electricity on Saturday in Paris and center of France.
Authorities have also shut the Louvre museum, the national library, the Orsay museum and the Grand Palais, Paris’ striking glass-and-steel topped exhibition center.
Thousands Were Evacuated in France
French media said that thousands were evacuated as floods threatened homes and businesses across the Paris region.
Flood warnings were upgraded by French police for areas in Paris near the Seine river, which had overflowed its banks in many places to indicate that it could have a significant impact on buildings and people.
The Mona Lisa Moved Over Flood Worries
The Louvre museum in Paris closed on Thursday to remove artworks from the rooms threatened by rising water from the Seine River.
The museum’s most famous painting, Leonardo da Vince’s “Mona Lisa,”was placed on an upper floor.
German State of Bavaria Braved Through Days of Flooding
Four people were confirmed killed in the German state of Bavaria due to the floods that swept through the towns of Simbach am Inn and Triftern, while others were reported missing.
Once the water receded, disaster relief crews arrived on the scene to help to clear the wreckage.There were warnings of more storms in the forecast.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel promised help for flooded areas.
Merkel told reporters in Berlin on Thursday that she “mourns for those for whom the help has come too late, who lost their lives.”
Belgium Faced Heavy Flooding
Belgium endured heavy rains, with flooding reported in several areas across the country.
After widespread flooding hit northern Antwerp and the west of Flanders, waters kept rising in eastern areas around Limburg and Liege. Several neighborhoods had to be evacuated
(With agency inputs.)
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